CA2280303A1 - Push-up machine - Google Patents
Push-up machine Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- CA2280303A1 CA2280303A1 CA002280303A CA2280303A CA2280303A1 CA 2280303 A1 CA2280303 A1 CA 2280303A1 CA 002280303 A CA002280303 A CA 002280303A CA 2280303 A CA2280303 A CA 2280303A CA 2280303 A1 CA2280303 A1 CA 2280303A1
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- bench
- frame
- main frame
- secured
- biasing means
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
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Classifications
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/00181—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices comprising additional means assisting the user to overcome part of the resisting force, i.e. assisted-active exercising
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4027—Specific exercise interfaces
- A63B21/4029—Benches specifically adapted for exercising
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B21/00—Exercising apparatus for developing or strengthening the muscles or joints of the body by working against a counterforce, with or without measuring devices
- A63B21/40—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof
- A63B21/4041—Interfaces with the user related to strength training; Details thereof characterised by the movements of the interface
- A63B21/4045—Reciprocating movement along, in or on a guide
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
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- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A63—SPORTS; GAMES; AMUSEMENTS
- A63B—APPARATUS FOR PHYSICAL TRAINING, GYMNASTICS, SWIMMING, CLIMBING, OR FENCING; BALL GAMES; TRAINING EQUIPMENT
- A63B23/00—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body
- A63B23/035—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously
- A63B23/12—Exercising apparatus specially adapted for particular parts of the body for limbs, i.e. upper or lower limbs, e.g. simultaneously for upper limbs or related muscles, e.g. chest, upper back or shoulder muscles
- A63B23/1209—Involving a bending of elbow and shoulder joints simultaneously
- A63B23/1236—Push-ups in horizontal position, i.e. eccentric movement
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- Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Orthopedic Medicine & Surgery (AREA)
- General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
- Physical Education & Sports Medicine (AREA)
- Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
- Biophysics (AREA)
- Rehabilitation Tools (AREA)
Abstract
An exercise apparatus, more particularly an exercise bench for supporting a user doing a push-up.
The bench allows the user to keep its body straight while performing push-ups, thereby isolating the arms, chest and back. The bench is adjustable to distribute some of the weight of the user onto a support and thus increase or decrease the weight a user is lifting during the incline of the push-up. It also has an adjustable biasing member for adjusting the weight on the decline of the push-up. The apparatus is collapsible for easy storage.
The bench allows the user to keep its body straight while performing push-ups, thereby isolating the arms, chest and back. The bench is adjustable to distribute some of the weight of the user onto a support and thus increase or decrease the weight a user is lifting during the incline of the push-up. It also has an adjustable biasing member for adjusting the weight on the decline of the push-up. The apparatus is collapsible for easy storage.
Description
PUSH-UP MACHINE
The present invention relates in general to an exercise device, and more particularly to a device which assists a user to perform a push-up.
One of the best methods of strengthening the upper body is by using exercises which uses the weight of the body as resistance. A common form of such body-weight exercises is the push-up. A properly performed push-up strengthens the arms, the chest and the back.
Performing numerous successive push-ups therefore increases upper body strength and helps tone the chest, arm and back muscles. However, most people are unable to properly perform a single push-up and cannot maintain their body in a straight position for more than a few push-ups at a time.
Many push-ups are performed by arching the back which increases the risk of back injury, or by raising the middle portion of the body, which exerts greater pressure on the back as well. By not performing push-ups properly, the exerciser will not work the desired muscles and thus will not achieve the desired results.
Most people cannot perform a push-up to its full extent from a straight arm position to a position where the nose is nearly touching the ground, back to a straight arm position, all the while maintaining the body perfectly straight. After a few attempts, people get frustrated and give up or get injured and cannot perform another push-up without pain. Those who persevere through the imperfect push-ups are not exercising the correct muscles and find they are not achieving the results for which they were hoping.
Using a device to help in the performance of a push-up is known in the art.
For example, US Patent No. 5,421,800 to Mullen issued June 6, 1995, describes a device for a push-up that helps a user by supporting a portion of the user's weight in the lower portion of the push-up movement. In other words, the user begins the exercise in a regular push-up position without support in the initial portion of the decline of the push-up. About halfway through the decline of the push-up, the chest comes into contact with the device and helps support a portion of the weight of the user. This is accomplished with springs supporting a box on which a user's chest descends when performing a push-up. The upward force exerted by the springs on the box and therefore on the user, only applies to the last portion of the decline of the push-up, and not through the entire motion. Therefore, if a user is unable to even initiate the decline of the push-up, the device would be of practically no assistance. Furthermore, the only adjustability of the known device is the interchangeability of the springs which adjusts the amount of force acting on the chest. Therefore, if a user is unable to perform a proper push-up in the upper portion of the decline, the use of the known device would not help because the user is not able to support his own weight. The entire body weight of the user must be lifted to perform a push-up, even with the support provided by the device in the lower portion of the decline.
In addition, the use of interchangeable springs to support the user's chest is inconvenient and inefficient..
Another disadvantage of the known device is the lack of support to the entire length of the user's body. The box on which the user descends only applies pressure onto the chest and does not offer any support for the rest of the body. This affects the positioning of the body during a push-up and could potentially cause injury if the exerciser does not maintain his body perfectly straight throughout the decline and the incline of the push-up. Even with the support of the box for the lower portion of the exercise, it does not ensure a proper body position as only the upper half of the upper body is supported.
Therefore, an exercise device is needed which would allow a person to perform a push-up properly without the risk of injury by supporting the entire length of its body and while exercising the intended parts of the body. A device which would be adjustable to accommodate an individual user's size and strength is also desired.
S~m_rr~arv of the Invention The present invention relates to an exercise bench for supporting the user's body in a straight position while performing a push-up, thereby isolating the muscles of the arms, the chest and the back.
The present invention relates in general to an exercise device, and more particularly to a device which assists a user to perform a push-up.
One of the best methods of strengthening the upper body is by using exercises which uses the weight of the body as resistance. A common form of such body-weight exercises is the push-up. A properly performed push-up strengthens the arms, the chest and the back.
Performing numerous successive push-ups therefore increases upper body strength and helps tone the chest, arm and back muscles. However, most people are unable to properly perform a single push-up and cannot maintain their body in a straight position for more than a few push-ups at a time.
Many push-ups are performed by arching the back which increases the risk of back injury, or by raising the middle portion of the body, which exerts greater pressure on the back as well. By not performing push-ups properly, the exerciser will not work the desired muscles and thus will not achieve the desired results.
Most people cannot perform a push-up to its full extent from a straight arm position to a position where the nose is nearly touching the ground, back to a straight arm position, all the while maintaining the body perfectly straight. After a few attempts, people get frustrated and give up or get injured and cannot perform another push-up without pain. Those who persevere through the imperfect push-ups are not exercising the correct muscles and find they are not achieving the results for which they were hoping.
Using a device to help in the performance of a push-up is known in the art.
For example, US Patent No. 5,421,800 to Mullen issued June 6, 1995, describes a device for a push-up that helps a user by supporting a portion of the user's weight in the lower portion of the push-up movement. In other words, the user begins the exercise in a regular push-up position without support in the initial portion of the decline of the push-up. About halfway through the decline of the push-up, the chest comes into contact with the device and helps support a portion of the weight of the user. This is accomplished with springs supporting a box on which a user's chest descends when performing a push-up. The upward force exerted by the springs on the box and therefore on the user, only applies to the last portion of the decline of the push-up, and not through the entire motion. Therefore, if a user is unable to even initiate the decline of the push-up, the device would be of practically no assistance. Furthermore, the only adjustability of the known device is the interchangeability of the springs which adjusts the amount of force acting on the chest. Therefore, if a user is unable to perform a proper push-up in the upper portion of the decline, the use of the known device would not help because the user is not able to support his own weight. The entire body weight of the user must be lifted to perform a push-up, even with the support provided by the device in the lower portion of the decline.
In addition, the use of interchangeable springs to support the user's chest is inconvenient and inefficient..
Another disadvantage of the known device is the lack of support to the entire length of the user's body. The box on which the user descends only applies pressure onto the chest and does not offer any support for the rest of the body. This affects the positioning of the body during a push-up and could potentially cause injury if the exerciser does not maintain his body perfectly straight throughout the decline and the incline of the push-up. Even with the support of the box for the lower portion of the exercise, it does not ensure a proper body position as only the upper half of the upper body is supported.
Therefore, an exercise device is needed which would allow a person to perform a push-up properly without the risk of injury by supporting the entire length of its body and while exercising the intended parts of the body. A device which would be adjustable to accommodate an individual user's size and strength is also desired.
S~m_rr~arv of the Invention The present invention relates to an exercise bench for supporting the user's body in a straight position while performing a push-up, thereby isolating the muscles of the arms, the chest and the back.
In accordance with aspect of the present invention there is provided an exercise device comprising: a frame; a bench connected at one end to the frame for pivotal movement towards and away from a frame supporting surface, said bench for supporting a user performing a push-up; and, a biasing means for supporting the bench on said frame said biasing means for applying a vertical upward force on the bench for assisting a user perform a push-up.
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show a preferred embodiment thereof and wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates in a perspective view, an exercise device to perform a proper push-up;
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate in a side elevation view the exercise device with the adjustable portion thereof to adjust the weight distribution about a pivot point;
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate in a side elevation view the exercise device with the adjustable chest support portion being shown in different positions;
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate in a side elevation view the exercise device with the biasing means being adjusted for increasing or decreasing the upward force on the bench;
Figures 8 and 9 illustrate in a perspective view and a side elevation view the exercise device with the adjustable support member being adjusted to elevate the bench in order to perform an elevated push-up;
Figures 10 and 11 illustrate in a perspective view the exercise device with the support member and the biasing means being collapsed onto the base member for easy storage; and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional diagram of a biasing means for use in the present invention.
Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated an exercise device 10 for performing push-ups comprising a bench 12, a biasing means 14, and a frame 16. Bench 12 is secured to the frame 16 for pivotal movement towards and away from a frame supporting surface. Biasing means 14 extends between frame 16 and bench 12 for applying an vertical force onto the bench 12 for assisting a user (not shown) to perform a push-up.
The invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings which show a preferred embodiment thereof and wherein:
Figure 1 illustrates in a perspective view, an exercise device to perform a proper push-up;
Figures 2 and 3 illustrate in a side elevation view the exercise device with the adjustable portion thereof to adjust the weight distribution about a pivot point;
Figures 4 and 5 illustrate in a side elevation view the exercise device with the adjustable chest support portion being shown in different positions;
Figures 6 and 7 illustrate in a side elevation view the exercise device with the biasing means being adjusted for increasing or decreasing the upward force on the bench;
Figures 8 and 9 illustrate in a perspective view and a side elevation view the exercise device with the adjustable support member being adjusted to elevate the bench in order to perform an elevated push-up;
Figures 10 and 11 illustrate in a perspective view the exercise device with the support member and the biasing means being collapsed onto the base member for easy storage; and Figure 12 is a cross-sectional diagram of a biasing means for use in the present invention.
Referring to Figure 1, there is illustrated an exercise device 10 for performing push-ups comprising a bench 12, a biasing means 14, and a frame 16. Bench 12 is secured to the frame 16 for pivotal movement towards and away from a frame supporting surface. Biasing means 14 extends between frame 16 and bench 12 for applying an vertical force onto the bench 12 for assisting a user (not shown) to perform a push-up.
The frame 16 comprises an elongated ground engaging member 18 having a base member 20 comprising a pair of parallel tubular members 22 and 24, each of the parallel tubular members having a plurality of connection holes 26. The elongated member 18 also comprises stabilizing members 28 and 30 normal to and at each end of the base member 20 connecting adjacent ends of the parallel tubular members 22 and 24. Frame 16 also comprises a support member 32 secured to and extending substantially at right angle from the stabilizing member 28. A hinge 34 pivotally attaches the support member to the stabilizing member.
Referring to Figures 2 and 3, bench 12 is for supporting a user performing a push-up and includes a tubular bench main frame 36 secured at one end 38 to the support member 32 for pivotal movement of bench 12 about a transverse axis 40. Bench main frame 36 has a plurality of holes 42 along its length. A sleeve 44 is adjustably secured to the bench main frame 36 and is for longitudinal sliding along the bench main frame 36. A flat and cushioned body support 46 is fixedly secured to the sleeve 44 and is for supporting the user lying face-first. A secondary bench frame 48 is telescopically received within bench main frame 36 at another end 50 for telescopic sliding movement along the main frame (as shown in Figures 4 and 5). A padded chest support 52 is fixedly mounted on secondary bench frame 48 and is for supporting the chest of a user. A locking pin 54 is for selectively securing sleeve 44 and body support 46 in one of the plurality of holes 42 along the bench main frame. In a preferred embodiment, locking pin 54 is a spring biased pin permanently mounted on sleeve 44. The pin is simply pulled to release it from one of the holes 42 and the sleeve is thus allowed to slide along bench main frame 36 to a new position, where the pin is released and the spring pushes it into another of the holes 42.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7, biasing means 14 supports end 50 of the main frame 36 away from the frame base member 20. Biasing means 14 is attached by a quick release pin (not shown) at a first end 56 to one of the plurality of connection holes 26 in tubular parallel members 22 and 24 of base member 20. A second end 58 of the biasing means is removably attached by a quick release pin (not shown) to one of a plurality of connection holes 60 in a bracket member 62 mounted e.g., by welding to the underside of the bench main frame. Biasing means 14 includes a tubular cylinder member 64, a rod 66 telescopically and reciprocally received within cylinder member 64 and a compression spring 68 interposed between the cylinder and the rod for urging rod 66 outwardly of cylinder 64 (see Figure 12). Biasing means 14 may be adjusted by means of an adjustment knob 641 which can be tightened to reload spring 68. Alternatively, biasing means 14 may be a gas spring, or any other suitable device.
Referring to Figures 8 and 9, another embodiment of the invention is shown, whereby the support member 32 includes a first telescopic member 70 which is pivotally secured via hinge 34 to the stabilizing member 28, and a second telescopic member 72 telescopically received within the first telescopic member 70. The second member is formed with a plurality of holes 74 along its length for receiving a locking pin 76 for selectively locking second telescopic member 72 in a plurality of positions, thus adjusting the height of support member 32. The locking pin 76 may alternatively be a spring biased pin fixedly mounted on first telescopic member 70, similar to locking pin 54 described above. First telescopic member 70 also has a threaded release pin 78 for releasably connecting first telescopic member 70 to a plate 281 extending up from stabilizing member 28 for selecting between an operational position shown in Figure 10 and a storage position shown in Figure 11, which will both be described below.
Support member 32 is releasably connected in a similar manner to plate 281 extending up from stabilizing member 28.
Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the support member 32 is pivotally secured to the stabilizing member 28 for pivotal movement between a storage position, in which the support member 28 and the bench main frame 36 are parallel and adjacent base member 20 as shown in Figure 11, and an operational position in which the support member 28 is perpendicular to the elongated member 18 as shown in Figure 10. When the device is in the storage position, the second end 62 of the biasing means 14 is released from one of the connection holes 66 and the biasing means fits between the parallel tubular members 22 and 24 of the base member 20.
To use exercise device 10, the device must be in the operational position as shown in Figures 1 to 10. The front portion of the device is assumed to be towards the chest support 52 and the back portion of the device is assumed to be towards the support member 32.
A user lies face down on the bench 12 with the feet overhanging a back part 80 of the body support 46. The user then adjusts the chest support 52 to the desired position whereby the upper portion of the chest is supported by the chest support 52. The user then puts his hands down onto the frame supporting surface and can begin performing the push-ups. The biasing means 14 applies an upward force to the bench 12 sufficient to hold the bench substantially horizontal when the device is not in use, i.e. in the rest position, but insufficient to hold up the bench when the user is in place and using the device. The upward force applied to the bench by the biasing means is merely intended to assist the user when performing the push-ups. Because the length of the user's body is mostly supported by the bench 12, the user can perform push-ups by bending the arms until the chest support 52 is adjacent the ground engaging member 18 or the frame supporting surface, depending on the configuration of the secondary bench frame 48, and then straightening the arms until bench 12 is returned to its initial position. The bench pivots about the axis 40 towards and away from the frame supporting surface and the biasing means 14 shortens and extends as the push-up motion is repeated. With the bench maintaining the user's body straight, the push-up motion works the arm, chest and back muscles as desired from a push-up.
If a person is unable to perform a complete push-up, bench 12 can be moved as shown in Figure 3, towards the back of the device. The locking pin 54 is removed and the sleeve 44 is free to slide along the bench main frame 36. Locking pin 54 can then be reinserted in any one of the plurality of holes 42 on main frame 36. With only a portion of the bench pivoting about the transverse axis 40, that portion of the user's body weight which is supported by the bench from the transverse axis 40 to the back part 80 of the body support 46 is not being lifted by the user during the performance of the push-ups. Positioning the bench towards the back of the device therefore decreases the weight being lifted by the user. If the length of the bench is fullyto the right of the support member, i.e. fully towards the front of the device as shown in Figure 2, and the user desires to lift more weight, he can simply extend secondary frame member 48 outwardly from the main frame 36 whereby the chest support extends away from the end 50 of the main frame 36. The user would then place his weight even further from the pivot axis, thereby increasing the moment arm about the transverse axis 40 and therefore further increase the weight being lifted.
The biasing means 14 can also be adjusted to vary the vertical force acting on the bench 12 by moving its ends 56 and 58 between the plurality of connection holes 26 on the base member 20 and on the connection holes 60 on the bracket 62 mounted under the main frame 36.
By increasing the angle of the biasing means 14 with respect to the bench, the vertical component of the force applied to the bench 12 is increased. In addition, by increasing the distance from the support member 32 to the biasing means 14, the resultant upward force will be at a greater distance and will thus increase the moment about the pivot axis which will decrease the moment to be lifted by the user. Therefore, biasing means 14 is adjustable in two ways to increase the amount of support it exerts on the bench.
Elevated push-ups can be performed by increasing the height of the support member 32 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The second telescopic member 72 is extended away from first telescopic member 70 after locking pin 76 is removed. The pin can then be inserted in any one of the plurality of holes 74 in second telescopic member 72. With a longer support member, the resultant vertical force of the user's weight will be increased thereby increasing the weight the user has to lift.
The device is easily folded into the storage position as shown in Figures 10 and 11.
Release pin 78 is unscrewed and pulled thereby releasing support member 32. A
locking pin 82 connecting end 58 of biasing means 14 is also removed to release the end 58 from one of the connection holes 60 in bracket 62, which allows the biasing means to pivot down about end point 56 between the parallel members 22 and 24. Support member then pivots about the hinge 34 and the bench main frame pivots about axis 40 until both the support member and the main frame are lying substantially parallel to and adjacent base member 20. The device is therefore compact and easily stored under a bed or in a closet.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant to be illustrative of preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. The only limitations to the scope of the present invention are set forth in the following claims appended hereto.
Referring to Figures 2 and 3, bench 12 is for supporting a user performing a push-up and includes a tubular bench main frame 36 secured at one end 38 to the support member 32 for pivotal movement of bench 12 about a transverse axis 40. Bench main frame 36 has a plurality of holes 42 along its length. A sleeve 44 is adjustably secured to the bench main frame 36 and is for longitudinal sliding along the bench main frame 36. A flat and cushioned body support 46 is fixedly secured to the sleeve 44 and is for supporting the user lying face-first. A secondary bench frame 48 is telescopically received within bench main frame 36 at another end 50 for telescopic sliding movement along the main frame (as shown in Figures 4 and 5). A padded chest support 52 is fixedly mounted on secondary bench frame 48 and is for supporting the chest of a user. A locking pin 54 is for selectively securing sleeve 44 and body support 46 in one of the plurality of holes 42 along the bench main frame. In a preferred embodiment, locking pin 54 is a spring biased pin permanently mounted on sleeve 44. The pin is simply pulled to release it from one of the holes 42 and the sleeve is thus allowed to slide along bench main frame 36 to a new position, where the pin is released and the spring pushes it into another of the holes 42.
Referring to Figures 6 and 7, biasing means 14 supports end 50 of the main frame 36 away from the frame base member 20. Biasing means 14 is attached by a quick release pin (not shown) at a first end 56 to one of the plurality of connection holes 26 in tubular parallel members 22 and 24 of base member 20. A second end 58 of the biasing means is removably attached by a quick release pin (not shown) to one of a plurality of connection holes 60 in a bracket member 62 mounted e.g., by welding to the underside of the bench main frame. Biasing means 14 includes a tubular cylinder member 64, a rod 66 telescopically and reciprocally received within cylinder member 64 and a compression spring 68 interposed between the cylinder and the rod for urging rod 66 outwardly of cylinder 64 (see Figure 12). Biasing means 14 may be adjusted by means of an adjustment knob 641 which can be tightened to reload spring 68. Alternatively, biasing means 14 may be a gas spring, or any other suitable device.
Referring to Figures 8 and 9, another embodiment of the invention is shown, whereby the support member 32 includes a first telescopic member 70 which is pivotally secured via hinge 34 to the stabilizing member 28, and a second telescopic member 72 telescopically received within the first telescopic member 70. The second member is formed with a plurality of holes 74 along its length for receiving a locking pin 76 for selectively locking second telescopic member 72 in a plurality of positions, thus adjusting the height of support member 32. The locking pin 76 may alternatively be a spring biased pin fixedly mounted on first telescopic member 70, similar to locking pin 54 described above. First telescopic member 70 also has a threaded release pin 78 for releasably connecting first telescopic member 70 to a plate 281 extending up from stabilizing member 28 for selecting between an operational position shown in Figure 10 and a storage position shown in Figure 11, which will both be described below.
Support member 32 is releasably connected in a similar manner to plate 281 extending up from stabilizing member 28.
Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the support member 32 is pivotally secured to the stabilizing member 28 for pivotal movement between a storage position, in which the support member 28 and the bench main frame 36 are parallel and adjacent base member 20 as shown in Figure 11, and an operational position in which the support member 28 is perpendicular to the elongated member 18 as shown in Figure 10. When the device is in the storage position, the second end 62 of the biasing means 14 is released from one of the connection holes 66 and the biasing means fits between the parallel tubular members 22 and 24 of the base member 20.
To use exercise device 10, the device must be in the operational position as shown in Figures 1 to 10. The front portion of the device is assumed to be towards the chest support 52 and the back portion of the device is assumed to be towards the support member 32.
A user lies face down on the bench 12 with the feet overhanging a back part 80 of the body support 46. The user then adjusts the chest support 52 to the desired position whereby the upper portion of the chest is supported by the chest support 52. The user then puts his hands down onto the frame supporting surface and can begin performing the push-ups. The biasing means 14 applies an upward force to the bench 12 sufficient to hold the bench substantially horizontal when the device is not in use, i.e. in the rest position, but insufficient to hold up the bench when the user is in place and using the device. The upward force applied to the bench by the biasing means is merely intended to assist the user when performing the push-ups. Because the length of the user's body is mostly supported by the bench 12, the user can perform push-ups by bending the arms until the chest support 52 is adjacent the ground engaging member 18 or the frame supporting surface, depending on the configuration of the secondary bench frame 48, and then straightening the arms until bench 12 is returned to its initial position. The bench pivots about the axis 40 towards and away from the frame supporting surface and the biasing means 14 shortens and extends as the push-up motion is repeated. With the bench maintaining the user's body straight, the push-up motion works the arm, chest and back muscles as desired from a push-up.
If a person is unable to perform a complete push-up, bench 12 can be moved as shown in Figure 3, towards the back of the device. The locking pin 54 is removed and the sleeve 44 is free to slide along the bench main frame 36. Locking pin 54 can then be reinserted in any one of the plurality of holes 42 on main frame 36. With only a portion of the bench pivoting about the transverse axis 40, that portion of the user's body weight which is supported by the bench from the transverse axis 40 to the back part 80 of the body support 46 is not being lifted by the user during the performance of the push-ups. Positioning the bench towards the back of the device therefore decreases the weight being lifted by the user. If the length of the bench is fullyto the right of the support member, i.e. fully towards the front of the device as shown in Figure 2, and the user desires to lift more weight, he can simply extend secondary frame member 48 outwardly from the main frame 36 whereby the chest support extends away from the end 50 of the main frame 36. The user would then place his weight even further from the pivot axis, thereby increasing the moment arm about the transverse axis 40 and therefore further increase the weight being lifted.
The biasing means 14 can also be adjusted to vary the vertical force acting on the bench 12 by moving its ends 56 and 58 between the plurality of connection holes 26 on the base member 20 and on the connection holes 60 on the bracket 62 mounted under the main frame 36.
By increasing the angle of the biasing means 14 with respect to the bench, the vertical component of the force applied to the bench 12 is increased. In addition, by increasing the distance from the support member 32 to the biasing means 14, the resultant upward force will be at a greater distance and will thus increase the moment about the pivot axis which will decrease the moment to be lifted by the user. Therefore, biasing means 14 is adjustable in two ways to increase the amount of support it exerts on the bench.
Elevated push-ups can be performed by increasing the height of the support member 32 as shown in Figures 8 and 9. The second telescopic member 72 is extended away from first telescopic member 70 after locking pin 76 is removed. The pin can then be inserted in any one of the plurality of holes 74 in second telescopic member 72. With a longer support member, the resultant vertical force of the user's weight will be increased thereby increasing the weight the user has to lift.
The device is easily folded into the storage position as shown in Figures 10 and 11.
Release pin 78 is unscrewed and pulled thereby releasing support member 32. A
locking pin 82 connecting end 58 of biasing means 14 is also removed to release the end 58 from one of the connection holes 60 in bracket 62, which allows the biasing means to pivot down about end point 56 between the parallel members 22 and 24. Support member then pivots about the hinge 34 and the bench main frame pivots about axis 40 until both the support member and the main frame are lying substantially parallel to and adjacent base member 20. The device is therefore compact and easily stored under a bed or in a closet.
The above-described embodiments of the present invention are meant to be illustrative of preferred embodiments and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various modifications, which would be readily apparent to one skilled in the art, are intended to be within the scope of the present invention. The only limitations to the scope of the present invention are set forth in the following claims appended hereto.
Claims (15)
1. An exercise device comprising:
(A) a frame;
(B) a bench connected at one end to the frame for pivotal movement towards and away from a frame supporting surface, said bench for supporting a user performing a push-up; and, (C) a biasing means for supporting the bench on said frame said biasing means for applying a vertical upward force on the bench for assisting a user perform a push-up.
(A) a frame;
(B) a bench connected at one end to the frame for pivotal movement towards and away from a frame supporting surface, said bench for supporting a user performing a push-up; and, (C) a biasing means for supporting the bench on said frame said biasing means for applying a vertical upward force on the bench for assisting a user perform a push-up.
2. An exercise device as in claim 1 wherein the bench comprises:
a bench main frame secured at one end to the frame for pivotal movement of said bench about a transverse axis; and, a body support structure for supporting the user, said body support structure secured to said bench main frame for longitudinal sliding movement along the bench main frame with respect to the transverse axis.
a bench main frame secured at one end to the frame for pivotal movement of said bench about a transverse axis; and, a body support structure for supporting the user, said body support structure secured to said bench main frame for longitudinal sliding movement along the bench main frame with respect to the transverse axis.
3. An exercise device as in claim 2 said bench further including:
a secondary bench frame telescopically received in the bench main frame at another end for telescopic sliding movement: along the main frame; and, a chest support fixedly mounted on the secondary bench frame for supporting the chest of a user.
a secondary bench frame telescopically received in the bench main frame at another end for telescopic sliding movement: along the main frame; and, a chest support fixedly mounted on the secondary bench frame for supporting the chest of a user.
4. An exercise device as in claim 1 wherein the biasing means is adjustable and for supporting said bench on said frame and away from the frame supporting surface, said adjustable biasing means for applying a vertical upward force to the bench.
5. An exercise device as in claims 1 or 4 wherein the biasing means comprises a tubular cylinder member, a rod telescopically and reciprocally received within said cylinder member and a compression spring interposed between said cylinder and said rod for urging said rod outwardly of said cylinder.
6. An exercise device as in claim 1 wherein the frame comprises an elongated ground engaging member having a stabilizing member at each end and a support member secured to and extending from the ground engaging member, said support member for connection to the bench.
7. An exercise device as in claim 6 wherein the support member being secured to the ground engaging member for pivotal movement between a storage position and an operational position and being operable to adjust the height of the bench from the frame supporting surface, said member including:
a first telescopic member secured to the ground engaging member;
a second telescopic member telescopically received within the first telescopic member;
a locking pin secured to the first telescopic member for selectively locking the second telescopic member in one of a plurality of positions;
means releasably connecting the first telescopic member to the ground engaging member for selecting between the operational position and the storage position.
a first telescopic member secured to the ground engaging member;
a second telescopic member telescopically received within the first telescopic member;
a locking pin secured to the first telescopic member for selectively locking the second telescopic member in one of a plurality of positions;
means releasably connecting the first telescopic member to the ground engaging member for selecting between the operational position and the storage position.
8. An exercise device as in claim 7 wherein the elongated ground engaging member comprises a pair of parallel members for receiving therebetween the biasing means when the support member is in the storage position.
9. An exercise device comprising:
(A) a frame having:
an elongated ground engaging member;
a support member secured to and extending from the ground engaging member;
(B) a bench for supporting a user performing a push-up and having:
a bench main frame secured at one end to the support member for pivotal movement of said bench about a transverse axis;
a body support structure for supporting the user, said body support structure secured to said bench main frame for longitudinal sliding movement along the bench main frame with respect to the transverse axis;
a secondary bench frame telescopically received within the bench main frame at another end for sliding movement along the main frame;
a chest support fixedly mounted on the secondary bench frame for supporting the chest of a user;
(C) an adjustable biasing means for supporting said another end of said bench main frame onto said elongated ground engaging member, said adjustable biasing means for applying a vertical upward force to the bench.
(A) a frame having:
an elongated ground engaging member;
a support member secured to and extending from the ground engaging member;
(B) a bench for supporting a user performing a push-up and having:
a bench main frame secured at one end to the support member for pivotal movement of said bench about a transverse axis;
a body support structure for supporting the user, said body support structure secured to said bench main frame for longitudinal sliding movement along the bench main frame with respect to the transverse axis;
a secondary bench frame telescopically received within the bench main frame at another end for sliding movement along the main frame;
a chest support fixedly mounted on the secondary bench frame for supporting the chest of a user;
(C) an adjustable biasing means for supporting said another end of said bench main frame onto said elongated ground engaging member, said adjustable biasing means for applying a vertical upward force to the bench.
10. An exercise device as in claim 9 wherein the biasing means includes a tubular cylinder member, a rod telescopically and reciprocally received within said cylinder member and a compression spring interposed between sand cylinder and said rod for urging said rod outwardly of said cylinder.
11. An exercise device as in claims 10 wherein the ground engaging member and the bench main frame have a plurality of connection paints along their length to which the ends of the biasing means are selectively connected for varying the angle of the biasing means with respect to the bench.
12. An exercise device as in claim 9 wherein the body support structure comprises:
a sleeve secured to said bench main frame for longitudinal sliding movement along the bench main frame;
a body support fixedly secured to the sleeve and for supporting the user; and, a locking pin for selectively securing the sleeve and the body support in a plurality of holes along the bench main frame.
a sleeve secured to said bench main frame for longitudinal sliding movement along the bench main frame;
a body support fixedly secured to the sleeve and for supporting the user; and, a locking pin for selectively securing the sleeve and the body support in a plurality of holes along the bench main frame.
13. An exercise device as in claim 9 wherein the support member is secured to the ground engaging member for pivotal movement between a storage position and an operational position and being operable to adjust the height of the bench from the frame supporting surface, said member including:
a first telescopic member pivotally secured to the ground engaging member;
a second telescopic member telescopically received in the first telescopic member;
a locking pin for selectively locking the second telescopic member in one of a plurality of positions;
means releasably connecting the first telescopic member to the ground engaging member for selecting between the operational position and the storage position.
a first telescopic member pivotally secured to the ground engaging member;
a second telescopic member telescopically received in the first telescopic member;
a locking pin for selectively locking the second telescopic member in one of a plurality of positions;
means releasably connecting the first telescopic member to the ground engaging member for selecting between the operational position and the storage position.
14. An exercise device as in claim 13 wherein the elongated ground engaging member comprises a pair of parallel members for receiving between them the biasing means when the support member is in the storage position.
15. An exercise device comprising:
(A) a frame having:
an elongated ground engaging member having:
a base member comprising a pair of parallel tubular members, each of the parallel tubular members having a plurality of connection points;
a stabilizing member at each end of the base member connecting adjacent ends of the parallel tubular members;
a support member secured to and extending from the ground engaging member for pivotal movement between a storage position and an operational position and being operable to adjust the height of the bench from the frame supporting surface, said member including:
a first telescopic member secured to the ground engaging member;
a second telescopic member telescopically received in the first telescopic member;
a locking pin for selectively locking the second telescopic member in one of a plurality of positions;
means releasably connecting the first telescopic member to the ground engaging member for selecting between the operational position and the storage position;
(B) a bench for supporting a user performing a push-up and having:
a tubular bench main frame secured apt one end to the second telescopic member of the support member for pivotal movement of said bench about a transverse axis, the main frame having a plurality of holes along its length;
a sleeve secured to the bench main frame for longitudinal sliding movement along the main frame;
a body support fixedly secured to the sleeve and for supporting the user;
a secondary bench frame telescopically received in the bench main frame at another end for telescopic sliding movement along the main frame;
a chest support fixedly mounted on the. secondary bench frame for supporting the chest of a user;
a locking pin for selectively securing the sleeve and the body support in the plurality of holes along the main frame;
(C) a biasing means for supporting said smother end of said bench main frame on said frame base member, said biasing means removably secured at a first end in one of the plurality of connection points on said base member and secured at a second end in one of a plurality of connection points on said bench main frame, said biasing means including a tubular cylinder member, a rod telescopically and reciprocally received within said cylinder member and a compression spring interposed between said cylinder and said rod for urging said rod outwardly of said cylinder, said first end of the biasing means for fitting between the parallel tubular members of the base member when the first telescopic member is in the storage position.
(A) a frame having:
an elongated ground engaging member having:
a base member comprising a pair of parallel tubular members, each of the parallel tubular members having a plurality of connection points;
a stabilizing member at each end of the base member connecting adjacent ends of the parallel tubular members;
a support member secured to and extending from the ground engaging member for pivotal movement between a storage position and an operational position and being operable to adjust the height of the bench from the frame supporting surface, said member including:
a first telescopic member secured to the ground engaging member;
a second telescopic member telescopically received in the first telescopic member;
a locking pin for selectively locking the second telescopic member in one of a plurality of positions;
means releasably connecting the first telescopic member to the ground engaging member for selecting between the operational position and the storage position;
(B) a bench for supporting a user performing a push-up and having:
a tubular bench main frame secured apt one end to the second telescopic member of the support member for pivotal movement of said bench about a transverse axis, the main frame having a plurality of holes along its length;
a sleeve secured to the bench main frame for longitudinal sliding movement along the main frame;
a body support fixedly secured to the sleeve and for supporting the user;
a secondary bench frame telescopically received in the bench main frame at another end for telescopic sliding movement along the main frame;
a chest support fixedly mounted on the. secondary bench frame for supporting the chest of a user;
a locking pin for selectively securing the sleeve and the body support in the plurality of holes along the main frame;
(C) a biasing means for supporting said smother end of said bench main frame on said frame base member, said biasing means removably secured at a first end in one of the plurality of connection points on said base member and secured at a second end in one of a plurality of connection points on said bench main frame, said biasing means including a tubular cylinder member, a rod telescopically and reciprocally received within said cylinder member and a compression spring interposed between said cylinder and said rod for urging said rod outwardly of said cylinder, said first end of the biasing means for fitting between the parallel tubular members of the base member when the first telescopic member is in the storage position.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002280303A CA2280303A1 (en) | 1999-08-18 | 1999-08-18 | Push-up machine |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002280303A CA2280303A1 (en) | 1999-08-18 | 1999-08-18 | Push-up machine |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA2280303A1 true CA2280303A1 (en) | 2001-02-18 |
Family
ID=4163972
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA002280303A Abandoned CA2280303A1 (en) | 1999-08-18 | 1999-08-18 | Push-up machine |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| CA (1) | CA2280303A1 (en) |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7648473B1 (en) | 2006-09-18 | 2010-01-19 | Jedheesh Peruvingal | Traction extension table |
| USD810846S1 (en) | 2014-08-01 | 2018-02-20 | Cambelle Limited | Assisted pushup device |
| US10092791B2 (en) | 2016-10-26 | 2018-10-09 | Fitbench Llc | Workout bench |
| US10363449B2 (en) | 2014-08-01 | 2019-07-30 | Campbelle Limited | Exercise devices and systems |
| US10960256B2 (en) | 2016-10-26 | 2021-03-30 | Fitbench | Multipurpose workout and storage bench |
-
1999
- 1999-08-18 CA CA002280303A patent/CA2280303A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7648473B1 (en) | 2006-09-18 | 2010-01-19 | Jedheesh Peruvingal | Traction extension table |
| USD810846S1 (en) | 2014-08-01 | 2018-02-20 | Cambelle Limited | Assisted pushup device |
| US10363449B2 (en) | 2014-08-01 | 2019-07-30 | Campbelle Limited | Exercise devices and systems |
| US10092791B2 (en) | 2016-10-26 | 2018-10-09 | Fitbench Llc | Workout bench |
| US10960256B2 (en) | 2016-10-26 | 2021-03-30 | Fitbench | Multipurpose workout and storage bench |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
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| FZDE | Dead |